The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-12-13

goods that have paid customs duty. So it happens
that while comparatively few use these imported
never saw any OF the foreign products,
purchase and use things of the same
kind made in this country AID pay therefor nearly,
or quite the same enhanced price which the duty
adds TO the imported articles Those who buy I'M
ports pay the duty charged thereon into the public
treasury, but the great majority of our citizens who
buy domestic articles, of the same class, pay sum
Mt least approximately equal to the
duty to the home manufacturer. This reference to
the operation OF our tariff laws is not made by way
of instruction, but in order that we may be con
stantly reminde of the manner in which they inn
pose burden upon those who consume domestic
products rs well as those who consume imported ar
uclSs and thus create tax upon all our people.
1t is not proposed to entirely relieve the country
OF this taxation. 1t must be extensively continued
as the source of the governments income; and in
readjusment of our tariff the interests of American
labor engaged in manufacture should be carefully
considered well as the preservation of manu-
features. 1t may be called protection, or by any
other name hut relief from the hardShps and dan
gers ofou present tariff laws should be devised with
especial precauton against imperilling the existence
OF our manufacturing interests but this existence
should not mean condition which, without regard TO
the public welfare, or a national eXigency must
always insure the realization of immense profits in
stead of moderately profitable returns. As the vol
ume and diversity of our national activities in
crease, recruits are added to those who desire
continuation OF the advantages which they conceive
the present system of tariff taxation directly affords
them Stubbornly, have all efforts to reform the
present condition been resisted by those of our fell
low citizens THUS engaged that they can hardly
complain of the suspicion entertained to ascertain
that there exists an organized combination all
along the line TO maintain their advantage
We are in Tie midst of centennial celebrations,
and with becoming pride we rejoice in American
skin and ingenuity; i'll American energy and en-
terpriSe, and in the wonderful natural advantages
and resources developed by century's natural
growth Yet when an attempt is made 70 Justify
consumer in the land for the benefit of our manu-
lecturers, quite beyond a reasonable demand for
governmental regard il suits the purposes of adyo-
caoy to call our manufacturers infant industries,
sil needing the highest and greater degree of favor
and fostering care that can be wrung nom federal
legislation
1t is also said that the increase in the price of do
lneStc manufactures, resulting from the present
taTld Is necessary in order that higher wages may
be paid 10 our W0rkingmen, employed in manufac
tories THAN is paid for what is called the pauper
labor of Europe All will acknowledge the force of
an argument which involves the welfare and liberal
compensation Of cur laboriug people Our labor is
honorable IN the eyes OF every American citizen
and as il lies at the foundation of our development
ana progress, Il is entitled, without afectation or
hypocrisy, 10 the utmost regard. The standard of
our lahorer should not be measured by that of any
other country less favored and they are entitled 10
their fll share ofall our advantages.
by the last census 1t WAS made 60 appear that of
the l,3209s OF our population engaged in all kinds
Of industries GO lgS arr employed in agricuiturc
4Usss Is III Professional and personal service ~ OBS
$40 oi whom are domestic servants ana lsborersl
while l,Sl02'6 are employed IN trade aud transpor
tstion and &Si ~ are cassed as employed in man
/ uiacturing and mining.
given should be considerably reduced. Without at
tempting TO enunelalc all, it will be conceded that
li.iS NuN".N, ~ nvlUNttu nom VhoSe winch IL IN
CudoS &tAl As carpenters and jOincrs: IS iOl mi-
neis, 0rcSmaeers and SeamstresseS u , ,2j black
smiths 1896 tiiors ANA tailo'eNes; AIS ma.
sons 'e2ll butchers; 4So2 bakers 22OS plpstcrers
and i,Sl engaged in manufacturers aer.caltural
implements. aggregate 70 1.2lfO2} leaving 6 OS9
persons employed I'm such manufacturing industries
as rre ciaimodto be benefited by a high jaun
To thCsa the appcJl is made 20 save their cmploy-
mcut aud maintain their wages by resisting a
change. Tno0e should he no disposition 10 answer
such suggestions by the ALLEGATION that they are in
minority among those who labor. and. therefore.
should ioregu an atNantage in the interest OF low
prices ioT the najogiyi the.r compensation, as 1t